Management of hand and wrist injuries

A minor injury to hand and wrist can cause pain and swelling. Sometimes, the bodily movements do not cause the problems, but symptoms develop from daily wear and tear, overuse or an injury to the hand and wrist.

Injuries of the hand or wrist happens during work-related tasks at home such as using a lawn mower, snow blowers and other hand tools. Contact sports or engaging in recreational activities as well as falls and fights can cause hand and wrist injuries.

There is a high risk of sustaining hand and wrist injury when playing contact sports such as wrestling, football, soccer as well as high-speed sports such as biking, in-line skating, skiing, skateboarding and snowboarding. Weight-bearing sports that require the hands and arms such as gymnastics can increase the risk of injuries. Even sports that involve the use of hand equipment such as ski poles, hockey, lacrosse sticks or racquets can also cause injuries.

Injuries of the hand or wrist happens during work-related tasks at home such as using a lawn mower, snow blowers and other hand tools.

Among children, hand and wrist injuries can occur while playing, engaging in sports or due to accidental falls. Older adults are at a high risk for these injuries because they have diminished muscle mass and bone strength as they become older.

Treatment and home remedies

When an individual sustained hand and wrist injuries, you have to perform the appropriate measures to ease the discomfort and prevent further injury. If you want to learn more about these measures, read here.

Broken bones

If a bone is protruding out of the skin, avoid pushing it back but simply cover the affected area with a clean bandage.

Remove all the jewelry found in the hands and fingers since it would be difficult to remove them once swelling begins

Remove a trapped finger or hand from an object such as toy, pipe or jar.

Apply a splint on the injured area but avoid straightening the affected limb. Loosen the splint if there are signs of numbness and tingling, increased pain and swelling as well as cool skin below the wrap.

Sprained finger

Rest the affected area if it is swollen

Apply an ice pack over the affected area in order to relieve the pain and swelling

Buddy tape the injured finger next to the uninjured finger at least 2-4 weeks until its fully healed

Elevate the injured area to the level of the heart.

Minor hand and wrist injury

Remove all jewelry found in the hand and wrist since it will be hard to remove them if the swelling increases.

Rest the affected hand and apply a cold compress in order to minimize pain and swelling

Elevate the affected hand above the level of the heart.

Avoid using the hand for the first 24 hours after an injury and place an elastic bandage in order to minimize the swelling.

Use a wrist splint to help support the injured wrist.

Massage the injured area to relieve pain and promote proper blood circulation. Just remember not to perform a massage to the injured area if it causes pain.

For the initial 48 hours, the individual should avoid hot showers or tubs, application of hot packs and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

After 48 hours has passed, apply a warm compress and start mild exercises.